Screen For A Heating Device

ABSTRACT

A screen for use with a heating device having a heat source, the screen comprising a panel having a first surface and a second surface, the panel being positionable relative to the heating device such the first surface faces outwardly from the heat source and the second surface faces towards the heat source, and the panel defining an aperture through a depth of the panel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Great Britain patent application serial no. 1110887.5, filed Jun., 27 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a screen for a heating device.

Fireplaces and free-standing fires (both referred to throughout as ‘heating devices’) of many types are known, including domestic electric fires, gas fires, and wood-burner fires, and the like. Modern heating devices are commonly inset into or mounted on a wall of a building, and are commonly provided with a fascia or front screen which allows the flames of the fire within the heating device to be viewed whilst preventing users from being burned by the heat of the exposed flames. In many cases, electric heating devices and gas heating devices are provided with coals, logs, or the like, so as to give the appearance of a traditional ‘real’ fireplace. In the case of an electric heating device, in which no actual flames are produced and the heat is produced by a heating element or other electrically powered heat source, flames may be simulated to give the appearance of a traditional fireplace without the safety issues associated with an open fireplace.

A fascia or screen element may be provided at the front of a heating device, so as to present a barrier between the heating device or part of the heating device and a user of the heating device. The screen commonly provides a heat-resistant surface (or at least a surface having low heat conductivity) which prevents at least a portion of the transfer of heat across its surface or through an entire depth of the screen. In this way, a heating device may be enclosed so as to lessen the outward radiance of heat outwardly from the heating device in close proximity to the device.

Fascias for heating devices typically include a double layer of material to prevent substantial radiation of heat through the fascia. In most cases the fascia provides a solid surface that covers the entire frontage of the heating device, so as to lessen the radiation of heat across the entire front face of the heating device.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, we provide a screen for use with a heating device having a heat source, the screen comprising a panel having a first surface and a second surface, the panel being positionable relative to the heating device such the first surface faces outwardly from the heat source and the second surface faces towards the heat source, and the panel defining an aperture through a depth of the panel.

The panel may comprise a single layer of material.

The panel may be formed of glass.

At least a portion of the panel may be formed of an at least partially transparent material.

The panel may define a plurality of apertures between its first surface and second surface.

The screen may further include connectors for connecting the screen to a heating device.

According to another aspect of the invention, we provide a heating device comprising: a housing; a heat source disposed within the housing; and a screen, wherein the screen is positioned with respect to the heat source such that hot air from the heat source is directable through the aperture defined by the panel of the screen.

According to another aspect of the present invention, we provide a fireplace, heating device, and screen combination, wherein: the fireplace has a surround which at least partially defines an aperture; the heating device comprises: a housing, and a heat source disposed within the housing; and the screen comprises a panel having a first surface and a second surface, the panel being positioned relative to the heating device such the first surface faces outwardly from the heat source and the second surface faces towards the heat source, and the panel defining an aperture through a depth of the panel, the screen being positioned with respect to the heat source such that hot air from the heat source is directable through the aperture defined by the panel of the screen, and the screen being positioned to substantially cover the aperture defined by the surround of the fireplace.

The screen may form a wall of the housing.

The heating device may further include a visual simulator for simulating flames.

The heating device may further include a reflective screen, wherein at least a portion of the reflective screen is visible through the at least partially transparent portion of the panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a screen according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a screen according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a heating device and screen according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a heating device and screen according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a heating device and screen according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a heating device and screen according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic front view screen according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a heating device and screen according to an embodiment of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a screen 10 for use with a heating device 22. The heating device 22, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6 includes a heat source 18. The screen comprises a substantially flat panel 10 having a first surface and a second surface separated by a depth of the panel 10, the panel 10 being positionable relative to the heating device 22 such the first surface faces outwardly from the heat source 18 and the second surface faces towards the heat source 18, and the panel defining an aperture 16 which extends through an entire depth of the panel 10 between the first surface and the second surface.

In embodiments, the panel 10 is formed in a single layer (single meaning exactly one).

In embodiments an outer portion 12 and an inner portion 14 of the panel 10 are formed from a single layer of glass. The outer portion 12 may at least partially surround a periphery of the inner portion 14.

The outer portion 12 and inner portion 14 may be formed with an indented line therebetween, or a raised ridge, or may be smooth with no discernable line therebetween so as to provide an aesthetically pleasing screen. It is contemplated that the glass may be reinforced, and that materials other than glass may also be used, such as acrylic, heat-resistant Perspex, or any other translucent or transparent material suitable for forming a screen for a heating device 22. The panel 10 may have a thickness (through the depth of the panel 10) in the region of between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, and more preferably between about 2 mm and about 8 mm, depending on the properties of the material used.

The aperture 16 is defined by the panel 10, and in embodiments as shown in the figures, the aperture 16 is defined between a part of the inner portion 14 and a part of the outer portion 12. In embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 1, the aperture 16 is defined in an upper portion of the screen 10, so as to lie substantially across a width of the panel 10. In this way, hot air rising from the heat source 18 of the heating device 22 may leave the heating device 22 via the aperture 16.

In embodiments, a single aperture 16 is provided (single meaning exactly one aperture). In other embodiments, a plurality of apertures 16 may be provided. The aperture 16 may be formed in any shape and of any size, and may be formed in a decorative and aesthetically pleasing design. The aperture 16 may be formed by cutting out a portion of the single layer of material of the panel 10. In embodiments, the aperture 16 is rectangular in shape and has a longitudinal axis which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the panel 10. In embodiments, the aperture 16 is surrounded by the panel 10. In embodiments, an entire periphery of the aperture 16 is defined by the panel 10.

In embodiments, the aperture 16 may be fitted with a canopy, a grill, or louvers, for example. The canopy, grill, or louvers may be coupled directly to the panel 10 or to the heating device 22 such that the canopy, grill or louvers extend, at least partially, through the aperture 16.

With reference to FIG. 2, a screen including a panel 10 is shown that is substantially the same as that of FIG. 1. At least a portion of the panel 10 is formed of an at least partially transparent or translucent material. As seen in FIG. 2, and the inner portion 14 of the screen element 10 may be at least partially transparent or translucent. In embodiments, the inner portion 14 of the screen element 10 may be substantially transparent. The outer portion 12 may be substantially transparent, substantially translucent, or substantially opaque. In embodiments, in which the outer portion 12 is substantially opaque, one or more parts of the outer portion 12 may be substantially translucent or substantially transparent. The outer portion 14 may be coated or treated to provide the required degree of transparency. In embodiments, the heating device 22 includes an illumination arrangement which is associated with a transparent or translucent part of the outer portion 12 of the panel 10 and configured to direct light therethrough.

In embodiments the heating device 22 provides a housing 24 in which the heat source 18 is disposed. The housing 24 may comprise at least a back wall 28, an upper wall 27, and a pair of side walls (disposed at either side of the width of the heating device 22). In embodiments, the heat source 18 comprises an electric heater 30 and a visual simulator 32. The visual simulator 32 may be operable to simulate the appearance of flames, for example.

In embodiments, the heating device 22 comprises a bracket which is attachable to the screen and is configured to carry the heat source 18. In embodiments, the bracket also carries the visual simulator 32. In embodiments, a separate bracket of the heating device 22 carries the visual simulator 32.

In embodiments the screen may be provided with connectors (not shown) to attach the screen to the heating device 22. The connectors may include clips, apertures for screws, or any other known suitable connection arrangement. In embodiments, the heating device 22 provides connectors (not shown) to attach the screen to the heating device 22. In embodiments, the screen is formed integrally with the heating device 22 so that the second surface of the panel 10 of the screen forms a front wall of the housing 24 such that the second surface faces towards the heat source 18.

The heat source 18 is provided within the heating device 22, and the screen is positionable so as to lie substantially in front of the heating device 22 such that the heat source 18 is visible through at least the inner portion 14 of the screen 10. The inner portion 14 of the screen 10 may be formed of clear glass so as to be substantially transparent. The outer portion of the screen 10 may be formed of tinted glass, frosted glass, coloured glass, or the like. In embodiments one or more connectors are provided so as to lie substantially behind the outer portion 12 of the screen 10, which may be less transparent than the inner portion 14, and therefore at least partially hide the or each connector from sight.

The heating device 22 may cover a portion of the second surface of the panel 10 of the screen. A substantial portion of the second surface of the panel 10 may not be covered by the heating device 22 in embodiments.

In embodiments, the heating device 22 is one of an electric fire, a gas fire, a coal fire, a wood-burner fire, or the like. The heating device 22 may comprise a fireplace, a wall-mounted device, or a free-standing device.

As shown in FIG. 3 the heating device 22 forms a housing 24 having a back surface which, in the case of a wall-mounted heater, lies against (or is inset within) a wall. Opposite the back surface a front surface may be provided, having an opening 26 to allow hot air to vent therethrough. In embodiments, the screen forms the front surface of the heating device 22—such that the screen forms an integral part of the housing 24. Alternatively, the screen may be connectable to the housing 24 so as to lie against the front surface to form a single layer at the front of the heating device 22. The gap shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, lying between the housing 24 and the panel 10, is to allow an understanding of how the screen connects to the heating device 22 and does not necessarily denote that the panel 10 and heating device 22 are separated by a gap when in use.

In embodiments, the screen is positioned in front of all other parts of the heating device 22. In embodiments the screen is positioned in front of all other parts of the heating device 22 apart from a canopy, grill, or louver which may extend through the aperture 16.

As shown in FIG. 4, in embodiments in which the housing 24 is provided with an opening 26, it is preferable that the opening 26 is substantially aligned with the aperture 16 of the screen 10. This allows passage of hot air from the heat source 18 upwards through the housing 24, through the opening 26 and through the aperture 16. A fan may be provided to aid the flow of air within the heating device 22, and the fan may be operable to cause air to flow towards and/or through the aperture 16.

In embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a reflective screen 34, 36 may be provided within the housing 24 of the heater device 22.

At least a portion of the reflective screen 34, 36 is aligned with the inner portion 14 of the panel 10, to allow a reflection of the visual simulator 32 to be viewed through the substantially transparent or translucent inner portion 14. The reflective screen 34, 36 may be inclined so as to tilt forwards or backwards relative to the back surface of the heating device 22, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, the heating device 22 further includes an internal panel 41. The internal panel 41 is, in embodiments, at least partially transparent and in embodiments is at least partially translucent. In embodiments, the internal panel 41 is a coloured panel. In embodiments, the internal panel 41 is formed from a plastic. The internal panel 41 may be positioned with respect to a light source 42 such that light from the light source 42 may pass through the internal panel 41 or a part thereof. The light source 42 may include one or more light emitting diodes. The light source 42 may be mounted on a member which is configured to move with respect to the screen (that movement may be at least partially in a direction which is parallel to a plane of the screen). The movement may be driven by a motor. The light source 42 may be associated with one or more reflective members (which may be made from a foil material). In embodiments, the one or more reflective members are configured for movement with respect to the screen (even if the light source 42 is not). Light which passes through the internal panel 41 may be reflected from the light source 42 by the or each reflector and through the internal panel 41.

In embodiments, a surface of the internal panel 41 which is remote from the incident light from the light source 42 is configured to reflect part of the light which passes through the internal panel 41 back towards the light source 42. In embodiments, the surface of the internal panel 41 which is remote from the incident light from the light source 42 is configured to allow at least part of the light which passes through the internal panel 41 through the surface and towards the screen. The surface of the internal panel 41 which is remote from the incident light from the light source 42 may be a polished surface or may have a coating or treatment to provide the desired level of reflectivity. In embodiments, a second internal panel is provided adjacent or immediately adjacent the surface of the internal panel 41 which is remote from the incident light from the light source 42 and the second internal panel provides the desired level of reflectivity.

As will be appreciated, light which is reflected back towards the light source 42 may be further reflected—e.g. by the one or more reflectors associated with the light source 42—through the internal panel 41 towards the screen.

In embodiments, light passes from the internal panel 41 towards and through the panel 10 of the screen. A portion of that light may be reflected by the panel 10 back towards the internal panel 41. That portion may be reflected, at least partially, by a surface of the internal panel 41 back through the panel 10 of the screen and may, at least partially, pass through the internal panel 41 towards the light source 42.

The repeated internal reflections of the light from the light source 42 within the heating device 22, and off the panel 10 of the screen, help to produce the appearance of a deep image which may be flame-like or similar to glowing embers.

Embodiments of the screen of the present invention allows an aesthetically pleasing fascia to be provided for an electric fire, or the like, that are economic to produce since they are cut from a single layer of glass (or other suitable material as discussed above). The aperture 16 defined by the panel 10 of the fascia allows hot air to leave the housing 24 of the heating device 22, thus providing an aesthetically pleasing vent for the heating device 22.

In embodiments, the visual simulator 32 or a part thereof is located generally beneath or above the panel 10 of the screen and is configured to present a simulation of one or more flames (or the like) in a position adjacent the screen (rather than through the screen).

In embodiments, a fireplace 51 is provided—see FIG. 7. The fireplace 51 is configured to receive a screen and an associated heating device 22. The screen may be configured to cover substantially all of an aperture of the fireplace 51 to provide a fireback. The aperture 16 defined by the panel 10 may be located substantially centrally within the aperture of the fireplace or at least along a central axis thereof. The inner portion 14 of the panel 10 of the screen may be located within a visible part of the screen in the fireplace 51.

The heating device 22 may be mounted to the screen within the fireplace 51—behind the screen relative to the room in which the fireplace 51 is located. The fireplace 51 may include a surround 52, and the screen may be positioned and configured such that at least some of the edges of the screen are hidden from view by the surround 52—an edge may be in contact with the floor and may, therefore, be visible. The aperture of the fireplace 51 may be defined by the surround 52. In embodiments, the heating device 22 is mounted behind the screen relative to the room in which the fireplace 51 is located but is at least partially supported by a mounting arrangement which is independent on the screen—such that removal of the screen from the fireplace 51 leaves the heating device 22 within the fireplace 51. In embodiments, the removal of the screen from the fireplace 51 also removes the heating device 22 mounted thereon from the fireplace 51.

In embodiments, the panel 10 is formed from a plurality of interconnected parts.

As will be understood, the housing 24 may be a bracket.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof. 

1. A screen for use with a heating device having a heat source, the screen comprising a panel having a first surface and a second surface, the panel being positionable relative to the heating device such the first surface faces outwardly from the heat source and the second surface faces towards the heat source, and the panel defining an aperture through a depth of the panel.
 2. The screen of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises a single layer of material.
 3. The screen of claim 1, wherein the panel is formed of glass.
 4. The screen of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the panel is formed of an at least partially transparent material.
 5. The screen of claim 1, wherein the panel defines a plurality of apertures between its first surface and second surface.
 6. The screen of claim 1, further comprising connectors for connecting the screen to the heating device.
 7. A heating system, comprising: a heating device comprising a housing and a heat source disposed within the housing; and a screen comprising a panel having a first surface and a second surface, the panel being positioned relative to the heating device such the first surface faces outwardly from the heat source and the second surface faces towards the heat source, and the panel defining an aperture through a depth of the panel, wherein the screen is positioned with respect to the heat source such that hot air from the heat source is directable through the aperture defined by the panel of the screen.
 8. The heating system of claim 7, wherein the screen forms a wall of the housing.
 9. The heating system of claim 7, further including a visual simulator for simulating flames.
 10. The heating system of claim 7, wherein the heating device further includes a reflective screen, wherein at least a portion of the reflective screen is visible through the at least partially transparent portion of the panel of the screen.
 11. A heating system, comprising: a fireplace having a surround which at least partially defines an aperture; a heating device comprising a housing and a heat source disposed within the housing; and a screen comprising a panel having a first surface and a second surface, the panel being positioned relative to the heating device such the first surface faces outwardly from the heat source and the second surface faces towards the heat source, and the panel defining an aperture through a depth of the panel, the screen being positioned with respect to the heat source such that hot air from the heat source is directable through the aperture defined by the panel of the screen, and the screen being positioned to substantially cover the aperture defined by the surround of the fireplace. 